By order of the Secretary of War, Craig has dismissed and paid off all the ship carpenters from Philadelphia except the superintendent and five others who are needed to complete and launch the galley. This cannot happen until a considerable rise of the waters of the Allegheny takes place.
Craig has received a letter from Samuel Lewis enclosing a post note for one thousand dollars, $300 of which is appropriated and $700 is for the pay of the troops of the upper posts.
Frye encloses the receipt roll, receipts of Lt. McCallen and Dr. Osborne, muster and pay rolls. He explains some of the measures he has taken in the pay rolls for deserters who have surrendered, persons under court martial, etc.
Among other matters, Hodgdon discusses the policy regarding sending drafts with or without stamps. The Quartermaster General may receive them without stamps but the banks will not, so it is best to draw on stamped paper.
Col Fauche remarked on the lack of payment of soldiers in Georgia despite the necessary receipts submitted. Fauche stated militia was whispering about the lack of payment due to suspicious activity by officers.
Captain William Harrison, the Quartermaster at Fort Washington, has drawn on Hodgdon seven bills--for a total of $5000--to furnish his department with money during General Wilkinson's descent down the river. He is unable to ascertain the date of the bills nor the names for whom they are drawn since the spaces for names are left blank. Still Hodgdon should pay the bills as they are presented and charge them to Wilkins' account.
Estimate of expenditures on account of the armorers employed at Springfield Armory in Massachusetts in making public arms. One estimate [illegible] for $788. For digging and stoning a well is $200, and $90 for contingent expenses.
